Detroit to demolish upward of 3,000 houses in 2010

Detroit officials say between 2,500 and 3,000 vacant homes are expected to be demolished this year in the city.

Planning officials told the City Council on Monday that the houses will be torn down with about $14 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program and other funds.

Officials say it costs about $10,000 to demolish each single-family home. The city also is pursuing options to collect the cost of demolition from property owners.

Charles Beckham, group executive in charge of operations for Mayor Dave Bing, says between 10,000 and 12,000 vacant houses are considered dangerous and ripe for demolition, but the city won't reach that number this year.